The Making of a Scarecrow - Part 1

I've been desiging a new fall gourd that looks like a scarecrow. I LOVE this time of year so all the fall themed ideas keep floating through my head. I usually start setting out all the paint colors that I would like to use on my project. I use mostly Deco Art Americana paints but I do have a few shades of other brands.



I then begin sketching out some ideas for my design. I also take notes as I begin painting on my project so I remember what colors I use and where I shade and highlight in case I decide to make a repeat design.

Then I prepare the gourd by picking out the best shape for the design I have decided on. I hand draw the basic outlines for the design and get prepared to base coat each seperate color. More to come on the painting process soon!

Thanks for checking in,

Darlene

Gift Packaging and a GREAT Company

Happy Friday!
I did a custom order through our Etsy shop a while back for a company named Brownie Affair. Gail, the owner, has some wonderful products on her website http://www.brownieaffair.com/.

Here is a sample of the two options she has using my flower and tag designs for her gift packaging. Thanks again Gail for your business! Give Brownie Affair a try if there is a gift for a special person or family in your future. This company is wonderful!

"Elegance"

"Flower Chic"

Best of luck on your business Gail....

Darlene

Glitter, Sparkle and MORE Glitter

I have been enjoying experimenting with my new glitters. I really like the idea that the glitter doesn't shed onto your project(s) or layouts. I take a stamp of my choice, press it onto my embossing pad and then sprinkle the pattern with powdered glue. Once heated with the heat gun I immediately sprinkle on the glitter, let it set a minute and then it's complete. It's great for large coverage too or just a small accent. You can also use a glue pen and use the same process. It makes a great signature or card sentiment. There are more additions on our etsy. I can't wait to do some blingy pumpkins for fall!

Have a super day everyone!
Darlene

Chalked Flowers

This is a peek at the chalked flowers that I have been experimenting with. I went to a local scrapbooking MegaMeet here in Michigan a couple months back and they had a demo with these chalks. I just love all the color options that come in the box. What I like even better is the fact that they have a fixative in the chalk and that once it sets up it no longer smears! That means no residue on any other part of your project(s). Pretty cool concept I think. They are also hand embossed and then I added some Glossy Accents by Ranger Industries for dimension and this is the result. There are a few more views of these posies at http://www.ggam.etsy.com/ if you would like to take a peek.

TFL
Darlene

A New Daisy Gourd

I really liked how this pattern turned out. The blue is a real calming color and that little bee is a cutie! I have just begun working on some fall items. I have plans for pumpkins and ghosts as well as scarecrows. Fall is my favorite season so it's twice as enjoyable to paint anything with a fall theme. Then, before I know it, it will be time for those adorable snowmen and santa's.

Have a wonderful day everyone. Keep cool if it's hot in your part of the country :-)

Whew....I've been busy!

I have to thank everyone for the purchases from Etsy. I appreciate your business so much. I now can donate $250 dollars to my Breast Cancer 3-day walk. Bless you all!

I have been creating some new flowers as well as beginning my fall and winter painting projects. I will begin to post a few in the shop soon. There will be some whimsical fall and winter gourds and they are just adorable.

I have more crocheted flowers to finish and here is a peek at some pretty chalked flowers. They are very pretty and look great on cards and scrapbook pages. I did a scrapbook layout on my personal blog @ abitofscrappin.blogspot.com using the pink embossed and chalked flowers. They really add to a page! I also love the acetate flowers. They make create transparent centers over a large silk flower.

Here's a peek at the chalked and transparent posies....

I have Etsy Sales!

It's so exciting. I have added quite a few flowers to my new little shop and I have gotten sales and nice comments. It feels so nice to know that your hard work is being used in someone's home or given to a loved one somewhere. I have sold to folks in the US but also Japan and Australia too! Pretty cool :-)

I hope to add some gourds soon but I haven't had a moment to paint. YIKES!